11.16.2009

More than 200 guests attended the seventh annual University of Iowa Museum of Art (UIMA) fundraising event, The Museum pARTy!, on Saturday, Oct. 24 to celebrate the museum’s 40th anniversary. This event, sponsored by the UIMA Members Council, raised more than $154,000 for programs, events and exhibitions for 2010.

The occasion also marked the release of the UIMA’s 40th year anniversary book, Building a Masterpiece: Legacy of the University of Iowa Museum of Art. Illustrated with images from the permanent art collection and the museum’s 40-year history, the book celebrates the story of the museum’s founding, the people who have enabled the UIMA to carry out its mission to facilitate the experience of art over the years, and UI President Sally Mason’s vision for the future. Author Abigail Foerstner, journalism professor at Northwestern University), attended and signed books. Copies of the anniversary book are available for $10.00 at the UIMA administrative offices, located at the Studio Arts building, 1840 SA, 1375 Highway 1 West, Iowa City or by calling 319-335-1727.

The Museum pARTy! is the culmination of the UIMA Sponsorship Program, a fundraising approach that enables patrons to direct their financial support to museum programs that particularly appeal to them.

“Guests were able to select a sponsorship of their choice from a broad range of attractive options planned for 2010,” Pat Hanick, the UI Foundation’s director of development for UIMA, said. “Patrons choose one or more items to sponsor, either through an outright gift or a pledge paid throughout the year. The proceeds from this memorable evening help sustain the museum for the entire year, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for all who contributed.”

Chaired by Kristin Hardy (above left), The Museum pARTy! was held at the Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center and featured hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and entertainment by local band The Recliners, as well as remarks by Joyce P. Summerwill (above right), honorary chair of the event.

The UIMA’s collection is currently on display at two locations: a newly opened, temporary, visual classroom, the UIMA@IMU, located in the Iowa Memorial Union's (IMU) third-floor Richey Ballroom, and at the Figge Art Museum, 225 West Second St., Davenport, Iowa. Exhibitions will be on display in the IMU’s third-floor Black Box Theater starting in Spring 2010.

The UI acknowledges the UI Foundation as the preferred channel for private contributions that benefit all areas of the university. For more information about the UI Foundation, visit its web site at www.uiowafoundation.org.

11.05.2009

You may have seen the news about a small fire early this morning in the Iowa House Hotel adjoined to the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU). Don't worry -- our art in the UIMA@IMU, located in the third-floor Richey Ballroom, is safe and was not affected. You can read the University's press release about the incident here. Keep checking the blog for more updates and information.

Want to know more? Browse the blog archive, go here for the story about the UIMA rescuing the artwork, here for some post-flood photographs, and make sure to check back often -- things are constantly changing these days!